Conservation Scientist – The Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum, with collections from antiquity through the early 20th century, seeks applicants for a senior conservation scientist position. The successful candidate will join the staff of the Walters Division of Conservation and Technical Research and will be responsible for working within the institution to plan, develop, and head a conservation science department within the Division. He/she will carry out research/analysis relating to the technical study of works of art, facilitating their examination, preservation, and treatment, and may also initiate research in areas of special interest. The conservation scientist will collaborate with conservators and curators and may also work on projects with members of other institutions. The conservation scientist will select and maintain in-house research/analytical equipment. Additional equipment also may be available at nearby universities, hospitals, and other facilities. The conservation scientist reports to the Director of Conservation and Technical Research and is expected to participate in master and strategic planning, creation and management of budgets, and in division and museum-wide committees and outreach.

Qualifications

Required:

Ph.D in chemistry/physical sciences

Significant experience in analytical chemistry and materials identification relating to both organic and inorganic materials comprising works of art from ancient times through the early 20th century

Skill and experience using a broad range of analytical techniques and equipment, including XRF, XRD, FTIR, GC/MS, and knowledge of other techniques such as Raman microscopy, SEM/EDS and WDS, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, HPLC, ICP/MS as well as other appropriate techniques

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and good scientific method

Skill in maintaining analytical equipment

Ability to multitask

Manual dexterity

Good communication skills, especially in communicating science to a non-technical audience